The fight for ethnic studies existing within our educational institution is one that has persisted because of uncooperative administrators across the country for several decades. Although the struggle to establish and maintain ethnic studies in universities has been arduous, there have been successes in instituting departments all across the nation, across universities throughout the west coast, but not at the University of Oregon. The fact that ethnic studies is struggling for departmentalization is only a reflection of an uncooperative administration at the University. As an ethnic studies major I can attest for the opportunities and activism that this education has provided me, along with a newfound passion for activism and progressive change.
Because of ethnic studies I have found validation for many of the experiences that being a woman of color in predominantly white institutions bring about. The departmentalization of ethnic studies is vital for the University to succeed as a culturally competent institution that is supposed to be educating competent people to contribute to a growing workforce. Ethnic studies is vital for the future of Oregon and the future of education. Education rests on the foundations of change and renovation, and ethnic studies embodies change. To say that ethnic studies is not a discipline is similar to saying that renovation and new perspectives are not relative to education.
Stephanie Patricio
University student